Salmon raised in its natural enviroment

The clean, temperate oceanic waters and strong currents in the fjords and sounds around the Faroe Islands are ideal for fish farming.

The Faroe Islands are a proud fisheries nation with centuries-long maritime traditions. These traditions have been successfully applied to the development of a Faroese aquaculture industry since the 1960’s; an industry that combines an ideal natural environment with a deep commitment to sustainability and quality. Faroese farmed fish is renowned around the world and Faroese Atlantic salmon is exported to all six continents.

Initially, the Faroese farmed sea trout, but moved on to Atlantic
salmon during the 1980’s. Today, the Faroese aquaculture industry almost
exclusively farms and exports Atlantic salmon.

A key player on the international market

In recent years, Faroese fish farmers have become important players
on the international market. Aquaculture now represents a significant
component of Faroese economic activity. Around half of all Faroese
export value is farmed fish and the aquaculture industry provides jobs
for communities all across the islands.

Faroese aquaculture management has a significant focus on
safeguarding the environment in which fish farming takes place. This is
fundamental to ensuring an economically self-sufficient and competitive
aquaculture industry.

Stringent regimes for veterinary monitoring, as well as measures to
minimise the impact that rearing and production methods can have on the
marine environment, have been a major factor in the success of Faroese
fish farming. The Faroese aquaculture industry has some of the best
results on a global scale. This includes a low biological feed
conversion ratio, a low morality rate and a high smolt yield.

The Faroese aquaculture industry is well consolidated, both
horizontally and vertically. There are three companies producing and
exporting farmed salmon in the Faroe Islands. Producers have full
control over the quality of their products – from roe to final product –
due to this vertical integration.

Effective logistics

To maintain fish welfare and freshness, it is essential
that the transport time from on-growing site to brood stock station is
as short as possible. The Faroe Islands are relatively small, and these
transport times are therefore extremely short, guaranteeing optimal
freshness and quality.

Although the Faroe Islands are located in the middle of the North
Atlantic, the country has an exceptionally well-structured
infrastructure. The Faroe Islands are only a couple of hours’ flight
from the European mainland. Logistical management is highly effective
and there are regular cargo links and flights to all neighbouring
countries. This means that fresh Atlantic salmon can reach American and
Asian markets within 24 hours of being harvested.

Aquaculture and global food security

Aquaculture currently represents over 50% of fish products for human consumption. According to reports from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) aquaculture will become vital in meeting the rapidly increasing demand for seafood, with Faroese aquaculture contributing to global food security.